Overdose deaths in R.I. rise to 85

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -– The number of drug overdose deaths in Rhode Island this year rose to 85 as of Wednesday, health officials announced at a press conference Thursday.

By Katie Mulvaney

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -– The number of drug overdose deaths in Rhode Island this year rose to 85 as of Wednesday, health officials announced at a press conference Thursday.

Of the 76 people screened, 46 tested positive for the powerful narcotic painkiller fentanyl. In three of those cases, the fentanyl had been prescribed; one person misused a prescription fentanyl patch.

The number of deaths linked to fentanyl has not risen since the state Department of Health released numbers April 8. At that time, the Department of Health reported a total of 75 overdose deaths.

The 85 victims, ranging in age from 20 to 62, were found in 26 cities and towns. Of those, 61 were men and 24 were women, with 78 white and the remaining 7 black.

Thirty-eight of those to die were found with drug paraphernalia at the scene, state Department of Health Director Dr. Michael Fine told a crowd of media, people in recovery and others at a press conference at the Anchor Recovery Center.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.